About the Refuge

Established in 1992, Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located along the eastern shore of New Hampshire's Great Bay in the town of Newington. The refuge protects more than 1,000 acres along the seacoast for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shoreline along the bay, and consists of mud flats, salt and freshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, streams, woodlands and fields. These diverse habitats support many plants and animals native to the area, including New Hampshire's greatest concentration of wintering bald eagles, and several state-listed rare and endangered species.

The rich and varied habitats of the refuge provide wildlife and visitors alike with a place to rest and recharge. Several recreational opportunities are available for visitors to watch wildlife, hike, bike, and hunt on the refuge.

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is managed by Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, please contact Parker River at (978) 465-5753. The general email address for Great Bay NWR is: greatbay@fws.gov

What We Do

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius), can be seen frequently seen at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The Service has tried to encourage this very showy falcon by setting up nest boxes on the refuge. The kestrel may be known locally as a “sparrow hawk” and is the smallest raptor in America.